Adulthood by Jordan Rossitto

Since being in D.C., I have realized that adulthood here looks nothing like the adulthood I thought I was participating in back home. In Columbus, adulthood consists of setting your alarm 25 minutes prior to class so you have time to put your hair up in a semi-neat ponytail, slip on your sweatpants and still make it to class on time. In Columbus, adulthood consists of cooking canned ravioli in the microwave and eating it with a dirty spoon from the sink that you pried off of the plate that has been in there for a week. Finally, adulthood in Columbus is calling your mom three times a week to make sure you can use canola oil instead of vegetable oil in that one cookie recipe, or if it's okay to wear the same pair of leggings four days in a row. Adulthood in Columbus is staying up until 12:30 a.m. every night, including school nights.

Here in D.C., adulthood looks like setting your alarm at 6:45 a.m. because you have to leave at 7:50 a.m. in order to get two miles away by 9:00 a.m. Adulthood in D.C. looks like elbowing a minimum of six people a day fighting to make it onto the metro before the "Stand back, doors closing." Adulthood in D.C. is wearing tennis shoes with your dress until you get to your desk, then changing into heels. Adulthood in D.C. is never making eye contact with the people in metro stations, because as soon as you do, they will follow you until you get onto the train. Adulthood means being tired at 7:30 p.m. and forcing yourself to stay awake until at least 9:30 p.m.

That seems tough, right? It isn't all that bad here in D.C. though. Here in Washington, it's cooking that same ravioli in a pan on the stove with a plastic spoon, instead of a dirty one, so it actually tastes better. It means seeing new and exciting things everyday in a city full of people that are in the same shoes you are. It means being a short distance from some of the most important and beautiful landmarks and monuments in our nation's history. It means always having something to do and somewhere to go, a lot of which is free! Finally, it's realizing that you're in the nation's capital at one of the most interesting times ever and embracing everything it has to offer.

As it turns out, adulthood isn't about what you do, it's all about where you do it. 

An Experience That Opened My Eyes…

By: Chelsie Dunson

As it is only my 4^th week in D.C. I have experience so many great opportunities that were very eye opening, but there was one that really stood out. I was granted the opportunity to attend the inauguration ceremony. It does not matter whether you voted for the president or not it was just an amazing opportunity that not everyone gets to experience. I was excited to get to go. I woke up at 4 am to get ready and head to the capital. This was the start of a long day yes but it was going to be worth it. After I finally got through all the challenging road closures, security and crowds of people I was in a great spot. I was right against the fence. Now it was to stand there for 6 and half hours or more and wait for the inauguration to begin. Why not make friends with the people rubbing up against you! I met a mother and her two twin boys. They are from Missouri and they had been driving all day and all night to make it to the inauguration. Her mother was also with them and she made me laugh so much. She is originally from Peru. She was dressed in very colorful clothing along with a crazy sombrero that everyone that walked by wanted to take a picture with her. She was a very sweet lady and very energetic. Also was a huge supporter of Trump and was in love with him! It was great! I am so thankful for meeting this family because they were amazing and made my experience that much more interesting and eye opening because they were from Peru! They shared so many stories and events from when they lived in Peru.

While at the inauguration another amazing experience that I got to experience was to see Big and rich the country artist. Along with seeing Big and Rich I also got to see Trace Adkins and shake his hand! That was so awesome because I love Trace Adkins and his music. There were so many famous people that were passing by us that I was able to see. I didn’t know some of them but I heard other people behind me yelling their name and cheering. I was very shocked that I would run into some pretty famous people while waiting for the inauguration. This was an amazing experience and I am so glad I was able to experience it. D.C. has offered me so many opportunities already. I am looking forward to all the other great opportunities that D.C. has to offer me! Here is to another great 3 months in D.C!!